In August of 2023 we released this episode with Photographer Paul Horsted to discuss his books and work that detail George Custer's 1874 Black Hills expedition. Leading the 7th Cavalry's one thousand troopers, Arikara scouts, geologists, miners, map makers, and civilian laborers, Custer's official mission was to locate a site for an army fort. But it's clear he also wanted to find and publicize the area's gold. The Black Hills were off limits due to the Ft Laramie Treaty, but the nation's economic plight prompted many miners to try their luck.
Horsted's research was aided by the glass plate photos in the state's archives from the expedition's official photographer, William Illingworth. With these and other records, Horsted has been able to find much of the exact route and compare it to how the Black Hills look today.
History 605 will begin its 6th season early next year. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this episode.